It’s often said that, Laughter is Medicine for the heart; and researchers also say, it takes less cells in the human face to smile but rather much more cells to frown. Obviously, you would not choose the latter.

The longest running Comedy series is back with a bang and trust organizers to give you an over dose of original comedy from Comedians in Ghana and Nigeria.

The 1022 Night of Laughs and Music is scheduled to happen on Saturday 6^th August at the Accra International Conference Centre. It’s never a dull moment at the comedy and Music series as double doses of Comedy and authentic Ghanaian Music is dished out without any apology.

It’s a Night of carefully packaged quality music and side splitting laughter that is intended to relax the nerves of patrons and ginger them up for 2^nd quarter of 2016.

Comedians expected on the Night are Acapella, I Go Dye, Destalker, Foster, OB, Kenney Black, Lekzy Decomic and many more surprises to be expected. These are well sought after comedians who are ever ready to do what they love doing.

The longest running comedy series in Ghana always comes in at the right time and promises to still be the best comedy event on the Ghanaian calendar.

The above lineup of hottest and most talented acts in the comedy business will be at their best game at the Accra International Conference Centre come Saturday 6^th August 2016.

Quality authentic Ghanaian music will be served by highlife sensations many more surprises. The 1000 laughs series is noted for its quality of comedy and Music. For over 10 years organizers have not compromised on the quality of the 1000 Laughs brand. Tickets are available at Charterhouse, XMen, MTN offices at Osu and Accra Mall.

A night of 1022 laughs and music is slated for Saturday August 6^th 2016 at the AICC. A Night of 1022 Laughs and Music is produced by Charterhouse with support from MTN and Airport View Hotel.

Ghanaian celebrity blogger, Ameyaw Debrah has resorted to crowdfunding to raise $8,000 to invest in a new project that would bring an amazing new experience to readers of his blog, www.ameyawdebrah.com.

According to the blogger, the project would include a responsive website and an optimized mobile compatible theme which would make it easy, less expensive and cumbersome for readers. It would also include a state of the art mobile app for Android and iOS mobile devices. The app will capture all the exciting news from the blog and bring users up to date on trending news and events in photos and videos.

He explained: “The project is estimated at $8,000 and I am calling all readers and fans of the blog to donate their widow’s mite towards the actualization of the new experience. Why don’t I pay for it myself? Well I am creating an experience for my community of users so they enjoy what it is I love to do.”

“I am not doing it for commercial gains because Ghana’s online space does not even encourage such investments; advertisers/agencies are still into cronyism and heavily reliant on traditional media. So although I love my readers, I don’t love them too much to bear the cost and risk alone. hahaha”

HOW TO MAKE DONATIONS:

Donate on Indiegogo by clicking https://www.generosity.com/fundraising/donate-to-support-ameyawdebrah-mobile-app/x/14578627

Donate on Mobile Money to Airtel Number 0244615112

Donate via bank:

Beneficiary Name: Ameyaw Debrah
Account Number: 9061300002
Bank Country: zenith bank Ghana limited
East Legon Branch, plot No 202 B, Lagos Avenue
SWIFT code: zeblghac

IBAN

INTERMIDIARY BANKS
US Dollar Payment
Bank Name: Citibank New York
Swift Code: CITIUS33
Iban/Fedwire: //FW021000089
GBP Payments
Bank Name: Citibank London
Swift Code: CITIGB2L
Iban: GB18CITI18500811238795
EUR Payments
Bank Name: Citibank London
Swift Code: CITIGB2L
Iban: GB40CITI18500811238787

Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a project or venture by raising monetary contributions from a large number of people, today often performed via internet-mediated registries, but the concept can also be executed through mail-order subscriptions, benefit events, and other methods.

Ameyaw Debrah

While the internet has opened up a world of endless possibilities by revolutionising the way people communicate, learn and live, there are downsides, particularly for children.

Children from low and middle-income countries are less likely to use the internet from home, and are more likely to go online from cyber cafes, where they are at greater risk of encountering inappropriate images and online and offline solicitation, disclosed a recent report by UNICEF’s Innocenti Research Centre (IRC).

In light of this, J Initiative, a youth focused non-governmental organisation in partnership with Tigo Ghana, have sensitised over 1,500 school children in 14 basic schools in the Greater Accra region on the need to stay safe and protected when using the internet. This forms part of several activities lined up for their Child Online Safety and Protection Campaign.

At the climax of the internet safety awareness programme for the 14 schools at Burma Camp Basic and Garrison Schools, resource persons from J Initiative and Facebook UK educated the children on how to detect suspicious persons and activities online, as well as, how to keep their personal information secured.

In her presentation, the Executive Director of J-Initiative, Awo Aidam Amenyah, highlighted some of the dangers the internet could bring when used wrongly.

Touching on the success of the three-week awareness programme, Ms. Amenyah said: “Since we began the awareness programme in basic schools, a lot of parents have reached out to us asking for advice on how best to protect their children. Some even ask for counsellors to help them deal with children who are already engaged in bad internet practices such as explicit media content.”

She also explained that the overwhelming response they have been receiving from teachers and the students is indicative that there are deep-seated issues that need to be addressed through appropriate regulation and legislation.

She was excited some schools had requested for assistance to incorporate internet safety in their ICT curricular.

CEO of End Point Homeopathic Clinic, Dr. Adu Boateng has donated 5000GHC to the veteran Ghanaian actor Jagga Pee to pay for his medical bills.

The money was handed over to the veteran actor by comedian and musician Kwame A-Plus who thanked Dr Adu Boateng for his kind gesture.

The veteran actor Jagga Pee, born Abeiku Nyame few days ago appealed to President John Dramani Mahama and generous Ghanaians to come to aid to help him pay for his medical bills.

Jagga Pee told a reporter from RazzOnline that;

My brother Reagan Mends, things are not well for me at all. I have been very sick for almost a year now. Money to pay for my hospital bills has been very difficult since I don’t often get jobs like I use to. I went unconscious and was admitted at the Holy Trinity Hospital then was later transferred to the 37 Military Hospital. I still owe the two hospitals Ghc2,500.00 for bills. I  can’t pay the bills so I am appealing to president Mahama to come to my aid by helping me with his’“celebrities for Mahama project’.

Join us to say a big Thank You to the End Point Homeopathic Clinic and Dr. Adu Boateng.

Jagga Pee in spectacle with Kwame A-Plus, Amanda Jissih and others

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Kumawood actor Bernard Aduse-Poku and wife Stella Dwomoh returned home from their base in New York City, United States of America to Ghana for their traditional wedding which took place on Saturday July 16, 2016.

The ceremony took place on Sepe Buokrom in Kumasi. In attendance were some of the known faces in Kumawood.

Courtesy Zionfelix.net, we publish the video and photos from the ceremony.

Bernard Aduse-Poku and wife Stella Dwomoh engagement

Bernard Aduse-Poku and wife Stella Dwomoh engagement

Bernard Aduse-Poku and wife Stella Dwomoh engagement

Bernard Aduse-Poku and wife Stella Dwomoh engagement

Bernard Aduse-Poku and wife Stella Dwomoh engagement

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‘Take Action, Inspire Change’ is the theme of Nelson Mandela International Day which is being observed today across the globe in recognition of the anti-apartheid icon’s commitment to democracy, racial justice and human rights.

As in previous years, people everywhere are being encouraged to perform at least 67 minutes of community service, one minute for every year that Mandela served others through his struggle for social justice.

“Let us seek to continue building on Nelson Mandela’s legacy of selflessness and deep sense of shared purpose,” says the United nations secretary general in his message to mark the day. “Let us heed the call to “never cease working to build a better world for all”.

From this year, Nelson Mandela International Day also focuses on the rights of prisoners, conditions of imprisonment, and the value of prison staff — addressed in the United Nations’ Revised Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also called ‘Nelson Mandela Rules’ that were launched in October 2015.

Source: Jamaicaobserver.com

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Experienced music producer Zapp Mallet has said that currently recording commercials pay more than music production.

Speaking to Flex Newspaper, Zapp Mallet he said most of the time, what an artiste is willing to pay for a track does not even reach half of what can be made from one commercial, adding that, “I’m therefore making money from commercials, jingles and the likes, than I earn from music production.”

He continued that, currently there is no motivation to produce music.

“Some of us come from a generation where we work for the love of the job, but the motivation changes at a certain stage. I’m still hanging on because I do it for the passion. I wish musicians would pay more. The system is rough for everybody, but I wish it gets better.”

”In the name of hype, lies have become truth. I hope these sound engineers who claim they are making enough money from music production are indeed earning it. With my experience in this industry, I know what’s on the ground in real life. Producers outside are making huge sums of money. Let’s work hard for an industry where everybody earns what is due them’’, Zapp Mallet concluded.

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Finalists in the prestigious CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2016 Competition were announced today by Ferial Haffajee, Chair of the independent judging panel.

This year, the competition received 1637 entries – a record number – from 38 countries across the continent, including French and Portuguese-speaking Africa.

There are 38 finalists from 14 countries:

Veronica Narkwor Kwabla, TV3 Network, Ghana

Veronica Onuchi, TVC News Africa, Nigeria

Yemisi Akinbobola, Ogechi Ekeanyanwu & Paul Bradshaw, IQ4News for Premium Times, Nigeria

Adedayo Eriye Oketola, Saturday Punch, Nigeria

Aderonke Bello, naij.com, Nigeria

Ancillar Mangena, Forbes Africa, South Africa

Asha Ahmed Mwilu & Rashid Idi, Kenya Television Network, Kenya

Ati Metwaly, Al Ahram Weekly, Egypt

Bento Venâncio, Jornal Domingo, Mozambique

Bidossèssi Appolinaire Agoïnon, Office de Radiodiffusion et Télévision du Bénin, Benin

Cheboite Kigen, Daily Nation Newspaper, Kenya

Chika Oduah, Nigeria, Freelancer at African Story Challenge, Media Initiative, Kenya

Cleófas Viagem, STV, Mozambique

Conan Daniel Businge & Gerald Tenywa, New Vision, Uganda

Coulibaly Zoumana, Le Patriote, Ivory Coast

Diana Neille, Richard Poplak, Shaun Swingler and Sumeya Gasa, Daily Maverick Chronicle, South Africa

Dominic Omondi, The Standard, Kenya

Eromo Egbejule, Freelancer at Ventures Africa, Nigeria

Faten Hayed, El Watan, Algeria

Fidelto Emidio Bata, STV, Mozambique

Folashade Adebayo, The Punch, Nigeria

Garreth van Niekerk, City Press, South Africa

Isaac Otidi Amuke, Commonwealth Writers, Kenya

James Oatway, The Sunday Times, South Africa

Jay Caboz, Forbes Africa, South Africa

Jean-Luc Emile, Teleplus, Mauritius

John Grobler, Namibia, and Fiona Macleod, Oxpeckers Investigative Environmental Journalism, South Africa

Lawrence Seretse, The Botswana Gazette, Botswana

Mia Malan, Mail & Guardian, South Africa

Teresa Fuquiadi, Jornal Nova Gazeta, Angola

Veronica Narkwor Kwabla

The independent judging panel, chaired by Ferial Haffajee, Chair of the Judging Panel & Editor-in-Chief, City Press, South Africa, includes: Debo Adesina, Editor-in-Chief, Guardian Newspapers, Nigeria; Jean-Paul Gérouard, Former Editor-in-Chief, France Télévisions; Eleni Giokos, Africa Correspondent, CNN; Fernando Gonçalves, Editor, Savana, Mozambique; Anton Harber, Editor-in-Chief, eNCA, South Africa; Joel Kibazo, Media & Public Affairs Consultant; Amadou Mahtar Ba, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, AllAfrica Global Media; Wanja Njuguna, Senior Lecturer, Namibia University of Science & Technology & CNN Journalist of the year 2000; David Ohito, Digital Editor, The Standard Media Group, Kenya and José Sebastião Paulo, Professor of Journalism, University Agostinho Neto, Angola.

The competition is once again supported by the following sponsors, who continue to lend their valuable support to the awards: African Development Bank, Dow, Ecobank, GE, IPP Media and MSD (MSD is known as Merck in the U.S. and Canada).

The finalists will enjoy an all-expense paid four day programme of workshops, media forums and networking in Johannesburg, South Africa, culminating in a Gala Award Ceremony in October 2016.

Tony Maddox, Executive Vice-President and Managing Director of CNN International said: “This year has seen a record number of entries for the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards, from a diverse array of countries across the continent. The passion which African journalists display for telling compelling and top class stories knows no bounds. Once more, CNN proudly continues its commitment to encouraging inspired journalistic excellence with these awards.”

Greg Beitchman, Vice President, Content Sales and Partnerships, CNN International: “The African Journalist Awards continues to maintain its place as the most prestigious Pan African journalist competition.  CNN encourages, promotes and recognises excellence in journalism across all platforms, so we are particularly pleased to be able to support journalists who represent the continent’s thriving news industry in all its forms. With our MultiChoice partners, we look forward to yet another thrilling Awards ceremony celebrating the very best journalism Africa has to offer.”

Mark Rayner, CEO MultiChoice South Africa said: “We’re excited to host the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist of the Year Awards in South Africa this year and looking forward to see all the good work done by our journalists celebrated and recognised through these awards.  Congratulations to all the finalists.”

Tim Jacobs, CEO MultiChoice Africa, said:  It is evident from this year’s entries that Africa has a vibrant media landscape which continues to develop in leaps and bounds. The finalists are to be applauded for their courage in covering some of the stories, many of which were in difficult circumstances. We are committed to increasing excellence in journalism and this initiative is close to our hearts, as it has helped unearth some of Africa’s greatest story tellers. Congratulations to all the finalists, we look forward to celebrating you at the awards.”

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Last night on The Stream on Al Jazeera English, award-winning South Sudanese singer and peace activist Emmanuel Jal called on both president Salva Kiir and first vice president Riek Machar to step down.

“The country has failed. The leadership has failed. I’m not even safe to go to Juba,” said Jal. “Both leaders should step aside, put a new government in place.”

Jal criticised the recent arrest of Alfred Taban, the editor-in-chief of the Juba Monitor newspaper, after he published a column calling for Kiir and Machar to step down.

Jal also reminded viewers that he was a refugee in Canada because he had been beaten unconscious by police in 2012 in South Sudan, where he had wanted to settle and host a peace concert.

“Because I saw so many people suffering and I wanted to open my mouth, I was almost killed,” he said. “Not everybody is supporting the rebel movement but if they continue to create this abuse with time there is going to be a revolution. You can’t use force on people; give people freedom, let them have the freedom of speech.”

Both Jal and Brian Adeba, associate director of policy at Enough Project, called for an intervention from a third force.

“We need a third force in South Sudan,” said Adeba. “Without a third force, the country will disintegrate. However, that third force should come in through a mutual agreement from all the parties involved in this conflict and not be an end in itself.”

Adeba also called for “targeted sanctions,” saying, “South Sudan is at a very critical juncture at the moment. It is sitting on a cliff. One small nudge and it will tumble over the cliff and when that happens you will have Rwanda in 1994 and Somalia in 1999 combined. You will have ethnic pogroms taking place across the country and a total disintegration of the state. So the international community has to step in.”

Asked if the current leadership would accept a third force, James Gatdet Dak, Machar’s spokesperson, said the first vice president would only accept an intervention from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. “Any other force we will not accept it.”

Ateny Wek Ateny, Kiir’s spokesperson, said an outside force was unnecessary. “The two leaders can work perfectly well. President Salva Kiir said it on Monday – first vice president Machar is still his first vice president and they are determined to implement the peace agreement.”

Ateny pointed out that there are already 12 000 UN troops in South Sudan “who have not done anything” so questioned why increasing the number of foreign troops would help the situation. “A third party force will not be acceptable because it will just aggravate the situation in South Sudan.”

Ateny also blamed the current crisis on international interference in the last peace agreement. “Last time the international community failed to accept the advice we gave them. We said two armies will not be workable… If the first vice president is also to accept that he is part of the government, he shouldn’t have his own forces. Now it was seen on Friday how devastating is having two armies.”

Host Femi Oke asked both Dak and Ateny hard questions about why South Sudan was fighting, but grew frustrated with their answers. “Ateny, you have a list of grievances, James has a list of grievances, and you just keep arguing about your grievances…. It’s a very depressing conversation. I wish I could see some way forward and some hope but all I hear are grievances and counter-grievances.”

Watch and embed the heated debate at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmjBKRPXYsI and follow the social media debate at #ajstream.

For more information, visit http://stream.aljazeera.com/story/201607181438-0025248.

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The Gospel Department of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has been informed about the death of Gospel artiste Minister Danny Nettey. According to the family he died at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital on Friday July 15, 2016. Dan Nettey was a very good song writer who is reputed for writing songs for many gospel artistes in the country.

Danny who has been at the fore front of gospel music scene in the country released his debut album ‘Positive Change’, in 1995. He followed that with the release of two albums ‘Time’ and ‘I believe’ with his group Danny and Pals.

Minister Danny Nettey has been an active member of the Union for more than two decades. On behalf of the President, executives and entire membership of the Union, we would like to extend our sincerest condolences to the family of the late Danny Nettey. The Gospel Music department will collaborate with the family to give him a befitting burial. Details of final funeral rites shall be announced later.

The late Danny Nettey will be missed for his December 25^th Christmas Day Show dubbed Danny and Friends where along with his friends in Gospel Music would serenade patrons with great gospel music. His last such event was in December 2015.

Signed:

Rev. Mary Ghansah

Director,

Gospel Department

MUSIGA

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Krystal, the singer/rapper one half of the fast rising hiphop duo from Tema, PhootPrintz has gone solo. Henry George Blagogee will know be known by his popular showbiz name Geesus, and he has a new single, ‘We Ballin’ featuring the latest rap sensation Medikal of AMG Business.

‘We Ballin’ is an introduction to his upcoming EP, ‘The Humble Hustler’. The which has some heavy collaborations and due to be released soon, and it will showcase his versatility as an artist.

PhootPrintz as a duo has credits to hits like “Jackie Appiah” which featured “BiSA Kdei” & “Sarkodie” and a host of other songs.

‘We Ballin’ is produced by his in-house producer, Laxio Beats. Check it out!

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Are you, like the M-Net Movies channels, obsessed with Hollywood? Do you secretly re-enact scenes from your favourite films when nobody is watching or even when they are? Do you fancy yourself an undiscovered acting talent? Or do you just love having fun and trying out new things? With a little imagination and the assistance of some friends, you might just find yourself on a flight to the City of Angels starring in the “Greatest Movie Ever Made”!

The M-Net Movies channels on DStv have created a fun-filled, unique new competition, inviting undercover movie stars of Africa to participate in the “Greatest Movie Ever Made” casting competition. While the twelve best aspiring actors will get the opportunity to live out their dream opposite well-known stars in a short M-Net Movies production, the winner of this competition will win a seven day trip to Hollywood for them and their partner, all of which will be filmed by the M-Net Movies team!

So, how do you enter this once-in-a lifetime casting competition? The first step is to show-off your acting skills by re-enacting a scene from any movie currently showing on the M-Net Movies Channels: M-Net Movies Premiere (Channel 104); M-Net Movies Smile (Channel 105); M-Net Movies Action + (Channel 106), M-Net Movies Showcase (Channel 107); M-Net Movies Action (Channel 110); M-Net Movies All Stars (Channel 111) and M-Net Movies Zone (Channel 139). Thereafter, you need to upload a video of your re-enactment onto Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #MMGreatest. And then, very importantly, you have to go to www.mnet.tv to fill out an entry form to validate your entry. This needs to happen within the first week of posting your video on social media.

The closing date for entries is Saturday, 20 August 2016 at 9:59pm.

A panel of experts will pick the top 24 actors from these casting videos, who will then go up for the public vote. M-Net Movie fans will be able to vote for their favourites from Tuesday 23 August and the twelve actors with the most votes will find themselves stepping into the opportunity of a lifetime acting in a real production, spearheaded by the reputable television and film production company Bomb Productions, whose success stories include dramas likeIsibaya and Jacob’s Cross.

The script for this production will be written by the highly talented Tebogo Malope, and the top 12 will be starring opposite seasoned actor Thapelo Mokoena (Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom; Wild At Heart; Fear Factor SA) as well as comedian Thomas Gumede; the face of M-Net Movies, Lalla Hirayama and presenter and fashion designer Maps Maponyane.

The shoot will take place in the week of 26 September.

This competition is open to DStv Premium customers older than 18 years in the continent, T’s and C’s apply. For more information visit www.mnet.tv.

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Just like Jacinta, the only female humourist on the night said, comedian, DKB took the promotion of his comedy show dubbed, Point of View too serious and a “World Cup” like we say in the local parlance. With Point of View being his first ever show, one could pardon him for the aggressive manner in which he went about promoting the show on all platforms.

DKB adopted the in-your-face-kind-of-approach which helped him. In fact, he actually left no stone unturned in that regard. It was one hell of a show that had a lot of noise attached to it and interestingly, it did live to expectation.Over the past few years since he broke onto the Ghana comedy scene, DKB has established himself as a social media person. Okay, you can say he is friendly and loud on social media.He is one of the few comedians who are active on social media and shares his views as far as issues in the country are concerned.

DKB performing at his Point of View Comedy Show

No issue passes him by, be it political, musical etc. even the controversial ones, DKB is just on hand to comment on them. Sometimes, it feels as if his life depends on it. So his approach wasn’t so suprising in terms of knowing the kind of person he is.

Prior to the show, he told Showbiz that, “Ghanaian comedians are daring Ghanaians to come see and laugh their hearts out by the best of GH comedians, and they can refuse to stop patronising us if we do not live up to their expectation.  In fact, monies will be refund at the end of the show if we don’t deliver.”

Fast forward to today, monies cannot be refunded because the show did live up to the expectation and patrons were hugely entertained. You may have read about all that took place on the night but below I will list a few memorable things about the show.

Be Brave and Organise Your Show

I think Ghanaians are naturally not funny and that unfortunately, is always used to judge the country’s comedians and their deliveries.

There are a handful of comedy platforms in the country with Charterhouse’s Night of Laughs and Music series being the longest running comedy platform in the country.

Unlike our Nigerian comedians who have a huge population and are known for staging and headlining big comedy shows they organise themselves, Ghanaian comedians are not bold enough to follow in that regard. Ghanaian rapper, Okyeame Kwame who has some background in comedy shares in my sentiment.

“So this young man [DKB] has broken the jinx.  They say that young Ghanaian men are not funny, it’s not true, they are just not brave. DKB is brave… between comedy and foolery; I don’t know which one he tilted more towards but he is an amazing guy, he made [all of] us laugh,” RapDacta as he is also known told GhanaGist.Com after the Point of View Comedy Show.

VIDEO: Watch Okyeame Kwame speak about Point of View Comedy Show

Ghanaians always seem to wait for a person to take a bold decision and then they jump on it.

Instead of looking at ways to help themselves and work on their strategies as well as deliveries when they get the opportunity to mount the stage, they waste ample time responding to criticisms about them.

A comedian is supposed to make his patrons laugh. If you are not able to do so on a number of occasions, you are simply not ready for the comedy trade and people will criticise you.

If you claim to be funny and no event organiser is hiring you, be brave enough to mount your own stage and call their bluff.

Like Okyeame Kwame said, you guys aren’t brave and now it’s the time to start acting brave for your own good.

Give upcoming comedians a chance

If you are influential in your chosen field, as a sign of maturity, you have to drag others along with you especially your friends who may be struggling to make it and that’s what DKB did to perfection at the Point of View comedy show.

DKB is on fire as a comedian and a fine one at that. The Point of View comedy show was superb with all the support from the other comedians.

At the same time, it would have been very successful even without the other comedians and still made history.

But DKB didn’t care too much about writing history alone. Except David Oscar and David Aglah, DKB brought on board all the names that ring a bell in the Ghanaian comedy scene.

Now apart from the usual names such as Khemikal, Ajeezay, Hogan, I.D James Brown, Jacinta, Comedian OB, Foster Romanus; Ghanaians can now boast of TK, Nino and Lekzy The Comic who was by far the best revelation on the night.

“For me, I think this was totally outstanding. Like I was saying earlier, it’s totally long overdue. I’m really proud of the acts that were on the stage. My favourite on the night … someway somehow has my name Lekzy… he was so amazing but kudos to DKB for pulling this on. This is totally phenomenal and of course it’s the first one of the many great acts that showed up on the stage. Hey, good thing for GH comedy. I think we are ready to roll now to the world. GH Comedy, DKB Point of View, absolutely fantastic,” Radio and television personality, Lexis Bill commented about Lekzy in an interview with GhanaGist.Com.

VIDEO: Watch Lexis Bill speak about Point of View Comedy Show

Thanks to DKB, now Lekzy the Comic has been contracted by Charterhouse for the upcoming Night of 1022 Laughs scheduled for August 5. Guys, that’s the ultimate platform for every comedian in Ghana.

Force the old man to notice you

Ghanaians didn’t need President John Mahama or the Minister of Power to say that the erratic power rationing popular known as ‘Dumsor’ was partially back. The same way, I think Ghanaians didn’t need Kwaku Sintim Misa to tell us how good DKB is a comedian. But for someone who has been known as the godfather of Ghanaian comedy, of course DKB needed his blessings and his words to cement his reputation as the King of Comedy in Ghana.

DKB managed to drag KSM, how, I don’t know to his show to endorse him as the new King of Comedy. How he convinced KSM is of no importance now, the most important thing is that, KSM uttered the words below to welcome him on the stage.

“When I see DKB he says KSM you are the man and I say no, I was the man. Now you are the man. I am very proud of him, so it is my pleasure and my duty to introduce to you the new King of Comedy DKB.

“I am here today and I’m very happy for these young guys (comedians). Show them some love. They have taken GH comedy to a new level and I am extremely proud of them. I hosted DKB some time ago on my show and I said DKB, one day you are going to get there and I am going to open for you. He thought I was lying, so when he talked about this show, I was like no problem, I will be there and I will open it for you. That is why I am here today,” KSM said to announce DKB.

Ghana comedy has matured

I’m a huge critic of Ghanaian comedians and looking at what I saw and experienced at the show, I can say that, Ghana comedy has arrived and is ready to take on the world.

But this can only happen if the comedians don’t rest on their oars but continue to work hard, research on new material for the great tasks ahead.

“Point of View was a bomb. This is a huge endorsement of how far Ghana comedy has come. I love the support that the other guys came to give him tonight. We are hoping they will be able to sustain this platform and every year people will be looking forward for Point of View,” Yaw Sakyi told GhanaGist.Com.

VIDEO: Watch Yaw Sakyi speak about Point of View Comedy Show

Like Yaw said, Point of View was a huge endorsement of Ghanaian comedy. Now it’s time for them to capitalise on that and grow.

This is certainly not the time to respond to criticisms as there are few others who will not be enthused about anything. It’s normal!

By Ebenezer Anangfio / Graphic Showbiz

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The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has released an All Star Peace Song as part of the Union’s Project dubbed “Using Music as a Toll for Cohesive Nation Building during Election 2016”.

The song was produced by Rev Dr Thomas Yawson and Appietus with support from STAR-Ghana.

The song features a blend of musicians Dr KNii Lante, Iwan, Nero X, Sherifa Gunu, Ras Kuuku, Gasmilla, Adane Best, Chizzy Wailer, Rev Dr Yawson, Black Rasta and Don Itchie among others.

The project includes a nationwide series of Peace Walks and Peace Forums, a Compilation of 15 Peace Songs including this one and an All Star video.

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Thousands of young people on Friday thronged the Takoradi Jubilee Park to sing and dance for peace ahead of the 2016 elections.

Powered by Accra-based music production and events company BullHaus Entertainment, it brought together some of Ghana’s mainstream acts for a night’s jam of music.

The theme for the night was one; Peace, and followed two others already held in Koforidua (Jackson Park) and the national capital, Accra, specifically Nima and the Mantse Agbonaa Park, Odododiodio.

The project is dubbed ‘Project Peaceful Elections’, and is part of series of efforts aimed at drumming home the message of peace before, during and after Ghana’s national elections later this year.

The concert also offered some young, up and coming acts an opportunity to showcase their talents.

Mainstream dancehall act Rudebwoy Ranking headlined the night and got support from the over two dozens of local-based acts.

All throughout the event, the central theme of peace was echoed.

“Without peace, we will not be able to showcase our talent and develop in this thriving industry. This is an opportunity of a lifetime,” one of the young local artistes said.

Lawrence Asiamah, popularly known as Bulldog, and who is the brainchild of the event, said he was inspired by the level of undiscovered talent and is looking forward to working with some.

Organizers say, the event will go round the country and help get the message of peace to every single Ghanaian.

Peace Concert in Takoradi

Peace Concert in Takoradi

Peace Concert in Takoradi

Peace Concert in Takoradi

Peace Concert in Takoradi

Peace Concert in Takoradi

Peace Concert in Takoradi

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The BBC has announced that the business journalist and presenter, Didi Akinyelure, has been awarded the second BBC World News Komla Dumor Award.

Didi – a Nigerian with a passion for telling African stories – began her career in the financial sector before moving to journalism in 2011. Today, Didi produces and presents a business show for CNBC, which is watched across the continent. She is experienced inbusiness reporting, having anchored CNBC Africa’s daily show ‘Open Exchange’ from West Africa for over three years. Didi is passionate about social entrepreneurs and has covered several stories about those who are transforming the African business landscape.

Akinyelure joined CNBC Africa in Lagos in 2013, where she is an anchor for prime time news. She has reported hard-hitting business stories from across Western Africa. She also created, produces and presents a weekly segment called ‘Entrepreneur of the Week’, which aims to inspire small and medium sized enterprises in Africa. Prior to beginning her journalism career in 2011, Didi worked in asset management.

Joining the BBC News teams in London, Didi will begin a three month placement in September. This placement provides the opportunity to gain skills and experience by attending a course with the BBC Academy, and working with teams across BBC News on TV, radio and online, reaching the BBC’s audiences of 348 million across the world each week. She will also have the opportunity to travel to a country in Africa, with a top BBC producer, to report on a story for a global audience.

Didi said, “I am completely overwhelmed and excited to win this prestigious award. I am honoured that the BBC chose me out of hundreds of applicants. Komla Dumor was someone I admired. He told the African story with so much passion for the continent, giving a balanced view and inspiring so many. You could tell that he loved what he did every single day and, I hope with this opportunity, I can continue Komla’s great work.”

Didi impressed the judges with her enthusiasm and tenacity in getting to the heart of a story, and helping audiences make sense of some of Africa’s complex issues. Her passion for telling Africa’s diverse stories and challenging preconceived stereotypes reflect Komla’s own devotion to the continent and, as part of his legacy, Didi will be able to share her enthusiasm with the BBC’s global audience.

Josephine Hazeley, Deputy Editor for BBC Africa, said, “We were looking for a journalist who has the passion, pride and eloquence that Komla Dumor possessed – someone who would be able to follow in his footsteps by telling compelling African stories. Didi particularly excels in telling business stories, which was an area Komla was also passionate about. Komla’s death was a huge loss to everyone at the BBC, and especially the Focus on Africa team, so we’re really pleased to have found a worthy winner of the award that we established in his name.”

Nancy Kacungira, last year’s winner of the BBC World News Komla Dumor Award said: “The past year has been an incredible journey for me – from being told I’d won the award to training with BBC Academy; from learning from some of the world’s best journalists to working for the BBC. I’m sure Didi will find the experience exceptionally rewarding, and I hope we can both continue Komla’s great work.”

The award was set up in honour of presenter Komla Dumor who passed away in January 2014 and aims to continue Komla’s legacy by celebrating African journalism and finding exceptional talent. The judging panel included Anna Williams, Editor BBC World News; Josephine Hazeley, Deputy Editor for BBC Africa, and Ory Okolloh, director of investments for Omidyar Network’s Governance & Citizen Engagement initiative in Africa.

There are two runners up for the award: Olive Burrows and Trevor Ombija, both of whom are Kenyan.

For more information go to bbc.com/komladumor. For clips and pictures contact: Rima Armstrong – rima.armstrong@bbc.co.uk

Didi Akinyelure

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After trending all day on Twitter with the release of his first single as a solo artist, Geesus, former member of PhootPrintz has officially released the music video for ‘We Ballin’ featuring Medikal. The music video is directed by Yaw Skyface.

We Ballin’ is an introduction to his upcoming EP, ‘The Humble Hustler’. The which has some heavy collaborations and due to be released soon, and it will showcase his versatility as an artist.

PhootPrintz as a duo has credits to hits like “Jackie Appiah” which featured “BiSA Kdei” & “Sarkodie” and a host of other songs.

Hello and welcome to a Piece of Peace, your weekly dose of motivation and inspiration. This week I would like to share on the topic, “The Turnaround”.

Everything in life has a season, which brings us to the fact that change is the only constant in life. Everything around us is subject to this force. Every season has its trials and tribulations as well as its blessings and opportunities. However, we sometimes struggle with the season of trials and tribulations, which usually comes in several forms.

It may come in the form of people you seek validation from ignoring you and relegating you to the side or in the form of opportunities you really want not going your way. The pain of rejection during this time can be very difficult to cope with. I have had several situations when things I really wanted and fought for did not go exactly as I intended it to go. I put everything I had into the project and walked away thinking I have done the best I could do and in the end, I still did not get that project I wanted.

At the time, it felt awful. I felt like I was not good enough and my confidence took a pretty bad beating. I spent a couple of days crying and feeling sorry for myself. It was honestly a very bad time but the funny thing is as I look back on that experience, its amazing how I have not only overcome that situation but gone on to achieve better and more fulfilling opportunities.

You see, when you are in the trials and tribulations season, it can be the longest and hardest period of your life and it can feel almost impossible to overcome. But there are some positives to be learnt. Some of the best lessons I learnt in life were born out of trying times like how to keep focused, be persistent and most importantly never give up.

Today you may be reading this post in the most difficult situation. Similar to myself and thousands of people, your trials season is here and all hope is gone. You may feel like even giving up and in some extreme situations you may even feel like not being alive anymore. Trust me when I say, I know exactly what that feeling is like. I am here to tell you that the season will most definitely end and there will be a turnaround. You will definitely not come out of it the same way you went in, but you will be a much better person because you managed to endure.

The turnaround is the season of blessings and opportunities. The turnaround is your reward for sticking it out and keeping your faith through all the ups and downs. The turnaround is God’s answer to your prayers. It is God telling you he has not forgotten you and he sees everything that you go through every day.

The turnaround is Him letting you know, that he may not answer straight away, but he is always right on time. Do not let the weight of your current situation way you down. Look forward to the turnaround and stay positive and focused no matter what is happening around you and I promise you, your blessings will be waiting for you at the end of that dark tunnel.

No matter what you do, always remember to be yourself, because everyone else is taken.

Much Love,

Peace Hyde.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/peac_hy

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Peace Hyde

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OK, imagine something unusual. Imagine the product of a fusion of the young and old. Imagine something that is both godly and ungodly. Imagine a cocktail of all the ingredients that make up a thrilling song. Imagine a song that is both commercially viable and inspiring.

Think of a song that leaves the club on Saturday night and goes into the church on Sunday morning without guilt. Like a stone that kills two birds.

That is not hypocrisy. It is called capriciousness. Kwame Nsiah Apau has a better word: ‘versatility’. It is what Hallelujah is. This stone kills three birds, actually. It is Gospel and Azonto and Hiplife.

The song is an autobiographical account of the rapper’s musical career, recounting how successful he’s been in the past two decades. We may not have read if he wrote it, so he makes a song out of it. The import is to credit his successes to God, to whom he says ‘Hallelujah’. It’s remarkable how Okyeame Kwame boils a complete story in the four minute record.  This song checks all my boxes! It will break grounds. Let’s bet!

The beat is unfamiliar, because it is meant for Okyeame Kwame. He’s never done anything above the speed of a standard highlife tune. He’s never got close to anything that makes you want to dance with so much energy. Hallelujah beats the odds, the way Abochi beats the percussions.

The song ideally is meant for reflection in solitude.  A chronicle of a person’s life would have been created in a way that would be soaked in silence. But the producer insists on making us dance, regardless.

Like all others and the ones yet to come, this one too is excellent in composition, vocal delivery, and instrumentation, particularly. The sound makes a very, very heavy pound. Everything is happening at a time, right from the word ‘go!’

The percussions are played in their totality with a perfect compensation from the keyboard, the bass guitar and the folk instrumentation that is introduced at the ‘jama’ session. Plus those well-timed drum rolls make the song sound like the kind of praises we do on 31st Night services. Listen also for the whistle of a piccolo. You can’t ignore it.

Okyeame Kwame and PredyX Omane

The electric guitar melody running at the sides is inviting. You could feel those six strings entangle and move you around, dancing like a puppet at the mercies of a puppeteer. And you can’t help it, especially at the beginning.

At this point of Kwame’s career, what more can he ask? Abraham Harold Marslow, an American psychologist in this theory of needs, explains that the highest need is self-actualisation; the stage where a person realises his personal potentials and self-fulfilment. At the climax of Okyeame’s business, he feels accomplished. We kind of concur, for it’s undebatable. After all, he’s a happy family man with more than enough to put on the table, a musician with enough plaques to show on his shelves, a man carrying a soul with enough good deeds to show his creator. And he’s got a beautiful wife to go back home to.

This is a life the angels will be proud of. And Hallelujah is a song they will dance to, too. It is coming from a grateful heart.

His prosperous life is well exemplified in the music video. It opens with a display of thumbnails of scenes to typify his luxury, a healthy lifestyle and fun-filled moments. He cruises in a brand-new Rolls-Royce Phantom, he’s got some enviable regalia to showcase, he’s cladding in expensive outfits, he treks around, enjoying the services of a personal guard and becomes the talk of town.  The women adore his splendour. It’s set, indeed!

Ofori Ankah Kofi, who directed the visuals presents the piece in all the quality it deserves. The location, Holy Trinity Spa makes a befitting setting with its serene atmosphere. Here’s where Abochi is introduced.

But this Abochi guy, really is a force to reckon with. The way he cunningly grabs attention with his first official appearance is intriguing. He possess this kind of charm that appeals to everyone. On Hallelujah, his voice is luring, in the way he sings on a baritone note and backs with a tenor. It makes up for Okyeame who doesn’t have a very good voice. His diction is relatable, too. He enters with the chorus:

Wɔnto ma no ɛ, Hallelujah
Praise the Lord, Hallelujah
Thanks for the good you’ve been doing to me
Awurade a na w’ama me asɛ bi

Okyeame Kwame became prominent in the late 90s as one half of the defunct hip-life group Akyeame. He mentions their historical performance at the world famous Apollo Theatre in New York, the Constitution Hall in Washington DC and finally STRATSFORD Rex, London. During the period they released four albums: Nyansapo in 1997, Nkonsonkonson in 1998, Ntoaso in 2000 and Apam Foforo in 2002.

Their songs ‘Ma San Aba’, ‘Menko Meda’ among others become street anthems. They won the GMA Artiste of Year  Award in 1999 together with Hiplife Song of the year, Song of the year  and Video of the year.  They enjoyed six years of success until their breakaway in 2003.

It is worth noting how Kwame recounts these moments and acknowledges his colleague in the statement:

Ankyɛ Fan town na mehyia Okyeame Quophi
Vim ɛne raps deɛ na abranteɛ yi wo bi
Neɛma asesa deɛ nso nyɛ ade a mewerɛ fi
Me kae sɛ me hunu ɔka me ho a mɛdru akyiri

Here is an awesome display of the attitude of gratitude.

Kwame released his first solo album “Boshe Ba” (Promised Child) in 2004, just after the breakup of the Akyeame band. He followed in 2008 with “Manwesem” (My Poetry) and in 2011 with “The Clinic”. Since then, local and international stages have carried his weight. Global audiences have been electrified by his craft. So in the words “Hiplife yɛ me dea” he claims ownership of the art. I am not saying this, neither am I resurrecting an old argument. It’s in the song!

The Rap Doctor’s application of language is unrivaled. He stuffs the song with rhymes, simile, metaphor. As is usual of him, he  does not spare us his rap showmanship. In his second verse, the rapper breathlessly juggles thirty eight words in a time space of 8 seconds:

Afei me ride passe pɛ amanfoɔ se Kwame rapi
Hwɛ gyidi na Kwame baako pɛ
Mennsuro biara na makɔtɛ
Barbiara na me paapi
Rapper Dacta na clappi
Y’ɛhyɛ aseɛ beef Okraku Mantey na ɔde Lord Kenya bɛ tackie 

Here’s where he sounds like bass drums and snare kicks played in quick succession. This thing runs in the family.  Don’t try this at home!

It is now evident the kind of course BRA Kwame is chattering for his music craft, and in subsequent releases we expect such similar work of inspiration. ‘Woso’, ‘Try Another Time’, ‘Sika’ were released to either educate, motivate, inspire or advise. This one too is toeing the same line.

You’ve been trying to win in this game forever
And you feel you are under pressure
Listen to my story and know that with God by your side
Everything will be ok, It’s OK

I have mentioned elsewhere that we can’t find enough plaques to honour a talented player of Okyeame’s calibre. He has walked a journey of the legends. He has lived the life of a maestro. Forty years is a big deal and to have spent half of it on an enviable career is a long way coming. What more can he say but ‘Hallelujah’?

By Patrick Fynn
patrickfynn.com
Follow the author on Twitter: @PatrickFynn